Senate body wants speedy completion of Gwadar shipyard

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Defense Production has asked the Ministry to expedite the completion of Gwadar Shipyard, aimed at facilitating the cargo ships likely to dock at Gwadar port in connection with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Terming Balochistan a future economic zone for economically sound nations, the Committee said that the development work in future would herald bulge of employment opportunities for dwellers of the province.

Chaired by Senator Lt Gen ( R ) Abdul Qayyum, the Committee was informed that a gazette notification pertaining to the shipyard had been issued which meant that the project could not be retreated. However, it has delayed due to transition of power in the country.

The meeting was also informed that the Ministry was in constant contact with Balochistan government while Gwadar Development Authority has demarcated over 750 acres land for the project.

Secretary Defense Production Lt Gen (R) Muhammad Ijaz Chaudhry said the department would be inviting International tenders and conducting feasibility of the project after getting the final approval of next Policy Board meeting, to be chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said the shipyard has a potential to absorb the skilled workforce based in Balochistan.

Senator Taj Muhammad Afridi urged the Committee to take steps to ensure the equal employment opportunity for the non-skilled labour of the province in the project.

The Chairman of the Committee asked the Secretary to arrange a visit for the Committee’s members to the Gwadar shipyard.